I'm a long-time Passat VR6 wagon fan now smitten with the E46 wagons. The sedans are cool but the wagon is what I want, 5-speed manual. The only experience I have with BMW is my R1100RT touring bike, so I need some help.

After searching high and low for a 5-speed 3-series wagon well under $20k, I've found one at a non-dealer lot that I can't decide about:

This car is sweet and drives great, but I worry about the mileage. Somebody drove this car a lot. Carfax says one owner. Runs great but what mech problems should I look for? My commute is short so I drive maybe 10k a year and would keep the car maybe 4 years. An 84-month warranty up to 100k on the odo costs $1200.

Maybe I should wait and find one at a dealer with 30k miles but even if I could find a 5-sp wagon it would cost well over $20k which I cannot do. Would this car hold decent value if it were at 100k 4 years hence?

I want this car. Are my eyes clouded? Is this a good deal or should I steer clear?? Any HELP appreciated.

sounds like a great deal. you shouldnt really have any drivetrain issues besides clutch...

my e36 has 127k on it and runs fantastic, the only thing about the e46 that might be a problem is the more advanced computer systems and electronics could eventually give out. seeing as few e46's have seen high mileage yet the test of time will show how the e46 holds up.

but at 65k you really shouldnt have any problems for a long time.

also just because a car has been driven alot doesnt mean it wasnt taken care of.